The battle for third and fourth
Number 4: Winnipeg Jets
Will the real Winnipeg Jets please stand up? They are winning at home and on the road. However, those wins are not overly impressive. The best one may well be the 7-1 thrashing of the Pittsburgh Penguins. But, there are questions surround how good the defending champs are right now. Well, I have questions at least. The Jets also have two wins over Dallas. The rest of their wins are against teams toward the bottom of their divisions.
As it stands now, the Jets struggle against teams in the East. Also, they are 3-0-3 in games decided by one goal. With more tests to come, will their great power play continue to push them forward, or can opponents take advantage of the Jets’ poor penalty kill.
Number 3: Nashville Predators
Sure, we are a bit bias here when it comes to the Nashville Predators. To that we can admit. But, take a look at some of the numbers.
Home Record: 4-1-1
Road Record: 5-4-1
Against the West: 5-1-2
November Record: 4-1-0
Games decided by one goal or less: 5-1-2
They have yet to play a game against a team with a losing record. The Nashville Predators’ specials teams are both in the top ten in the NHL. While they don’t seem to score well at even strength, the addition of Turris should propel them to improve there. And, Pekka Rinne is playing above expectations. Right now, his save percentage is fifth best of goalie whom started 10 or more games.
A solid defense, solid depth at the center position, and great goal-tending place the Predators as the third best team in the West.